Community Corner
Hello Ridgefield! Social Media Group Launches Family of Websites
The Ridgefield social media site has become a beacon of light to illuminate the path from lost newcomer to experienced townie and more.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Over the last three years, the Facebook group Hello Ridgefield! has become a beacon of light to illuminate the path from lost newcomer to experienced “townie,” from aspiring dream business owner to thriving entrepreneur. This online community has reunited lost pets with their owners, warned home and car owners of robberies in their neighborhood, introduced consumers to cleaning services, roofers, landscapers and so much more. Now they've launched half dozen additional sites to help get local news and information to the people.
Ridgefield resident Tonya Hinojosa became active on the site, eventually becoming one of the page’s admins. What was once just a small Facebook group is now a booming business helping to connect entrepreneurs with the community.
“My passion is helping local business get the exposure they need to grow and thrive. We use social media and our network of Facebook groups to achieve that. Because of the group and its constant support, we opened Hello Ridgefield! Social Media Consulting Agency.”
Allison Gamber recently shared a story of how Hello Ridgefield! hosted a “Spinraiser” for the Epilepsy Foundation held at Joy Ride.
“The money raised from the Joy Ride Fundraiser went towards the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut's summer camp for children and teens with epilepsy, Camp Courage. We subsidize 70 percent of the cost for families so we rely on fundraisers like JoyRide and wonderful people like Tonya Hinojosa and the residents of Ridgefield.”
One resident said she switched pharmacies based upon the recommendation of members in the group. Anne Fricke Gallaway shared, “I switched over to Bissell Pharmacy last week and the pharmacist specifically asked if I was switching because of a post on Hello Ridgefield! He said he was very humbled by all the positive comments.”
Amy Conciatori Colamaria tells of the amazing caroling flash mob for families with sick children that they have done for the last two years and how the group helped make it a success.
“We not have done it without them or this page’s members.”
A Manhattan transplant said Hello Ridgefield! has “really made this area feel like home for me.” Alicia Weaver-McKinney, who lives in Danbury, now has two places to get local news and information, Hello Ridgefield! and Hello Danbury!
She said her daughter goes to preschool school in Ridgefield and it took her family “a while to settle into the area.”
“Once I found this site all of a sudden I knew where to get my hair cut, places to eat, where to work out, where to find an ice cream truck for my daughters' birthday and where to get amazing free-range eggs. I met my daughter’s amazing babysitter who is also a very talented photographer. I learned all about invisible fences, plus met some fellow mini Australian Shepherd owners in the area for future pup play dates,” she said.
The family of social media sites include Hello Danbury!, Hello Ridgefield!, Hello Fitness!, Hello Parents!, Hello Connecticut! Bulletin Board and Hello Connecticut! Business group. Members of the pages say the reason they keep coming back is because the page’s admins help keep the site drama and bully-free.
Melinda DiNaploi said that Hinojosa is “very talented and a gift to any community.”
Patti Norrison-Murphy said the site is like Ridgefield’s own personal Angie’s List. “Even the most basic of needs are met due to this group. Recommendations for plumbers, contractors, restaurants, moving companies, vets, doctors. All of which supports and helps grow these businesses.”
Alysia Cantelmo Morris said, “It’s a robust community of differing opinions. The support here is like anything I've seen in other groups.”
Hilary Aranow said that Hinojosa “have been really supportive of Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield, CT. In their support and sharing of posts, they have directly impacted us by increasing volunteers, helping to find a wonderful new board member and raising over $5,000 on Fairfield County Giving Day.”
Jasmine Gannalo, a Ridgefield resident who moved from Canada said, “It gave me a sense of community when I first moved here and hadn't yet made friends.”
Marc Monte calling the group “magic,” shared said that Hello Ridgefield! “may be one of the things that makes Ridgefield so great, and has given me a new life.”
To join the fun, click Hello Ridgefield! https://www.facebook.com/groups/theridgefieldfungroup/ or Hello Danbury! https://www.facebook.com/groups/hellodanbury/ and ask to join.
You can also join Hello Connecticut! Bulletin Board for tag sales and advertising.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/653101574789454/
Hello Connecticut! Business page is only for business posts.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/516491328527555/
Hello Fitness! is for motivation and getting healthy in a fun and inspiring way.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/393815930962812/
Hello Parents! is for families in all stages from diapers to college essays and everything in between.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/259647171164440/
Access to Ridgefield is all about trying to help bring awareness about disability issues.
